Simon Cowell has appointed Def Jam chairman Antonio 'L.A.' Reid as the first 'X Factor' judge.

The 54-year-old music producer - who has helped launch the careers of the likes of Rihanna, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Pink and Mariah Carey - will reportedly take up a place on the judging panel alongside Simon and two more yet-to-be revealed stars when the first round of auditions begin in two weeks.

It is believed an official announcement will be made later in the week, with the remaining two places on the panel set to be snapped up by high-profile women.

One insider told the Hollywood Reporter: "It's a done deal."

Another source close to the negotiations told website Entertainment Weekly: "L.A. wants to do it. He has his sights set on a seat on that panel, and apparently Simon would like it to happen."

Record executive L.A. recently explained he thinks music has its place on TV and the medium has now become more influential than radio.

He said: "I think music on television certainly has a place and it's important. In some ways, TV has become as impactful as radio once was. It's just another way of doing it. You can find music on American Idol, on YouTube, on KIIS-FM or on a mixed tape. The more platforms we have, the better off we are as an industry."

Also believed to be in the running for the remaining posts on the judging panel are UK 'X Factor' judge Cheryl Cole, former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger and Katy Perry.